Planning a beach vacation is thrilling. The anticipation of sun, sand, and surf can excite you—after all, you get a chance to escape from humdrum life. Time spent on the beach promotes relaxation, relieves stress, and boosts serotonin levels.
Finalizing the destination and booking a hotel are critical aspects of planning a beach vacation. But your trip will be enjoyable only if you pack all the essentials. Overlooking even one essential item can quickly put a damper on your vacation.
To ensure that doesn’t happen, we’ve compiled a list of the things you mustn’t forget when packing for your beach vacation.
#1 Sunscreen
A beach vacation without sunscreen is never a good idea. Not applying sunscreen before heading to the beach will cause sunburns, increase your risk of skin cancer, and result in premature aging. Sunscreen should, therefore, be the first thing in your bag.
Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, for it will shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The NHS advises people to look for sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate coverage.
Consider your skin type when choosing sunscreen. Opt for mineral sunscreen if you have sensitive skin, eczema, or dry skin. These sunscreens are gentle on the skin, so they are less likely to irritate. But if your skin is acne-prone, an oil-free or non-comedogenic formula will be the best bet.
Keep a reef-safe sunscreen handy, though. If you decide to take a dip, apply it generously all over your body. It will protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays as well as safeguard the ocean, coral reefs, and sea animals.
#2 Lip Scrub
A lip scrub might not seem like an essential item that you should pack for your beach vacation. But add one—you’ll thank us later.
The sun, sea air, and salt water can leave your lips dry and chapped. Chronic dryness might even cause them to peel. That’s where a lip scrub will come to your rescue. A lip scrub will help gently remove the dead skin cells, leaving them soft, smooth, and ready for your favorite lip balm or lipstick.
Look for lip scrubs with gentle exfoliating ingredients like fine salt or sugar, along with nourishing ingredients like honey or butter. Such a scrub will slough off dead skin cells from the skin’s surface while hydrating and moisturizing your lips.
A honey lip scrub would be a great addition to your travel bag. Honey enzymes exfoliate the lips by gently removing dry, flaky skin and revealing smoother, more radiant skin. Honey also has moisturizing and antibacterial properties. It will help nourish and hydrate your lips, leaving them soft and supple.
To use a honey lip scrub, Bee Inspired Goods explains, remove lipstick first, apply the scrub in gentle circular motions, and rinse it with warm water. With a honey lip scrub in your beach bag, you can keep your lips looking and feeling their best throughout your seaside adventures.
#3 Beach Pillow
For times when you won’t want to play beach games or swim in the sea, a beach pillow will come in handy. You can use it to lay in the sun in comfort and, perhaps, take a nap with the waves crashing in the backdrop. Beach pillows, unlike regular pillows, are lightweight and compact. That is why they are perfect for traveling.
Go for inflatable options. They don’t take up much space and can be inflated and deflated as required. You can even adjust the firmness to your liking. Even better, choose a pillow that features straps or clips. You will be able to attach it to the chair or your bag and relax without worrying about it blowing away.
#4 Beach Cooler
A beach cooler is another essential item to pack for your beach vacation. You can stash drinks and snacks in it, and they will stay refreshingly cold even on the hottest days.
Beach coolers come in an array of sizes and styles, from compact soft-sided coolers to large, heavy-duty models with wheels. There is no hard and fast rule as to which one you should choose. You can choose whichever suits your family’s needs and your budget.
Just make sure to choose one thick insulation and a tight-sealing lid to keep ice frozen and contents cold for longer periods.
In conclusion, packing all the essentials for your beach vacation will make your trip fun, enjoyable, and much more comfortable. Be sure to also pack a first-aid kit, power bank, hat and sunglasses, and Kindle (if you’re an avid reader). Don’t forget to pack bug spray. It will help you repel pesky bugs, flies, and ticks. That’s it, people! You’re all set to go on your beach vacation.